Cabella, who has been given a six-year contract, was a long term target and is regarded as a replacement for Yohan Cabaye.

Pardew said: "It's part of a rebuilding process and a big part of it.

"A lot of work has gone into his signing and I'd like to pay tribute to my staff, in particular Graham (Carr) and myself, Lee (Charnley), Mike (Ashley) and everyone on the board.

"We've worked really hard on this and he's a player we think is important, which is represented in the fee and represented in his commitment to us. I'm just looking forward to seeing an exciting talent.

"He's a player who has been on our radar for a while and he is a marquee signing for us. He represents for us all Newcastle fans love in a player.

(Image: Serena Taylor)

"He has flair but also real hard work and commitment. He will bring talent to St James's Park I hope our fans really enjoy.

"He's got great ideas when the ball comes to him and along with Siem he can improve an area where we definitely needed some help.

"It has taken us a while to build and we have had to lose one or two great players along the way, Cabaye in particular, but we always knew when this summer would come that we would be able to make a bigger step.

"Hopefully that is reflected in performances and reflected hopefully in our fans belief in the team and more importantly it shows to the other great players we have here, Coloccini, Tiote, Krul and so on.

"He's got great talent and can play in a variety of positions. The options I had at the back end of last season weren't enough and he gives me flexibility because he can play in two of three different roles."